So, what do you get when you combine a lyricist, a songstress, live instruments, and chopped/sampled drums…Live Free or Die Trying. This is the debut album from Saleem & The Music Lovers. Known for their legendary live performances, they’ve shared the stage with hip-hop luminaries like Common, The Roots, Talib Kweli, KRS-One, and De La Soul to name a few. This album marks the first time they’ve attempted to capture the essence of those live shows onto a recorded medium. As a fan, you can expect to hear good music. I know that sounds far too simple, but it’s really true.
The words, instruments, and compositions are a reflection of the band’s musical influences. Collectively, they’ve been influenced by Minnie Ripperton, Norman Conners, Stevie Wonder, DJ Premiere, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Gang Starr, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Miles Davis, Weldon Irvine, Ahmad Jamal, and Sufjan Stevens among others. They integrate all of those influences into their music, but then add their own experiences and personalities. The result is a richness of sound, a fullness of expression that covers a wide range ofemotions and topics. The album is new and old. The energy and spirit of the album is a throwback, but the execution and presentation of the music is incredibly fresh. The album is just good music and all lovers of music should have a listen.
The long-awaited EP from Saleem & The Music Lovers will be unveiled @ Club Sonar on November 4, 2011.
